Weed control
Weed control is always a key focus of Friends of The Pinnacle.
Two small weeding groups operate on the reserve most weeks throughout the year, one on Thursday morning and one on either Saturday or Sunday morning. These groups largely concentrate on physical methods of weed removal: chipping, grubbing, pulling and bagging flower and seed heads (when necessary).
A major contributor to our weed control (about 50% of our effort on average) is systematic spraying mainly with selective broadleaf herbicides targeted to specific weed groups. This is usually carried out by sprayers working alone.
For more details and to find out how to become involved see current weeding activities.
Revegetation
Considerable tree and shrub planting was carried out by largely volunteer groups before The Pinnacle Nature Reserve was declared in 1993. Since its formation fotpin has focussed on strategic plantings of mainly shrubs and ground-layer species to enhance existing tree cover understorey and to create vegetation islands to act as stepping stones across patches of grassland to improve wildlife habitat, especially for birds.
Planting events are carried out as opportunities present themselves. These are usually organised as group activities advertised to everyone on our email lists, with volunteers needed both on the day of planting as well as for follow-up watering.
You can see examples of our past activities on the revegetation page.
Weetangera paddock ground cover restoration
A more regular activity is the ground cover restoration project in the Weetangera paddock. This uses small patches to test restoration methods aiming at increasing the seed bank of native grasses and wildflowers. Activities include seed collection and propagation, planting, watering and intensive weed control.
For more information and information on how to be involved see the Weetangera ground cover restoration page.
Guided walks
Each spring and autumn we aim to have a handful of guided walks and occasionally one or two at other times as well, such as the butterfly walk for which summer is more suitable. There is always a wildflower walk in spring and at least one, often two, bird walks in both spring and autumn. Other themes for walks have included tree identification, indigenous heritage, European settlement history and ground cover restoration. We aim to continue expanding the range and number of guided walks. Walks are advertised directly to everyone on our email lists as well as on the "What's On" web page.
Have an idea for a guided walk? Let us know.
Monitoring biodiversity
Friends of The Pinnacle members have always had a strong interest in observing and documenting
native species on the reserve. The introduction of Canberra Nature Map
(now
) a decade ago has made
it easy for anyone who is interested to contribute expert verified species observations to a national
database. Many of our members have actively helped to increase our knowledge of the reserve in this way
and we encourage all visitors to be involved. As well as contributing to our understanding of the reserve's
biodiversity it is a great way to have species identified and enhance your experience on the reserve.
more information and how to be involved
Community Engagement and Outreach
One of fotpin's objectives is "to foster community interest and pride in, and care for, the Pinnacle Nature Reserve". Apart from conducting guided walks we do this by taking opportunities to engage with the local community and with school groups.
Raising awareness at community events
Each year fotpin holds stalls at various community events and participates in a 3-day display at Jamison Plaza with neighbouring ParkCare groups (Friends of Aranda Bushland, Friends of Mt. Painter, Friends of Black Mountain) and related groups.
Interaction with schools and community groups
Fotpin encourages approaches from the local schools and other community groups and have hosted many successful walks and participatory activities over the years.
Contact us: If you're interested in our outreach activities, contact us using our contact form or by sending an email to fotpin@fotpin.org.au
